Aron Johannsson played the full 90 minutes as AZ were able to defeat ADO Den Haag, allowing them to subsequently move to the top of the Eredivisie.

While Johannsson didn't score a goal, he was active up top for AZ who controlled possession for 65% of the game Saturday.

The game nearly went into the half scoreless, but a wonderful strike from Nemanja Gudelj in the 42nd minute ensured that AZ took the initial lead. Johannsson held up the ball before laying it off to Roy Beerens, whose cross from the right wing find Gudelj waiting at the top of the penalty area. The Serbian midfielder sent a bouncing, right footed strike from the edge of the area past Den Haag Goalie Gino Coutinho to make it 1-0.

Gudelj was involved in the second AZ goal, but this time it was Johann Gudmundsson who provided the tally. The Icelandic midfielder received a pass from Gudelj about 30 yards out and fired a rocket past an outstretched Coutinho into the upper right corner, sealing the result for the hosts.

Having won their last three in the Eredivisie, AZ have shot all the way from eighth place to first in the league in that timespan. Now possessing a one point lead over Vitesse, they are in sole control of first place for the first time this season.

Johannsson and crew get back to work Thursday in the Euro League when they host Shakhter Karagandy with the score 1-1 on aggregate after their previous exchange in Kazhakstan.